Efficient Public Transport Research Articles

Passenger Capacity and Safety: Investigating the Likelihood of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Transport Modes within Makurdi Metropolis

Following its outbreak in the Wuhan region of China, the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) across the world has threatened national and local authorities or policy makers and transport experts due to its effects on human mobility. This study investigated the transmissibility of COVID-19 among passengers in transit using public transport modes in Makurdi metropolis. Analytical simulation using stochastic search method called Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique was used to simulate the transmissibility of the infectious disease within enclosed spaces of transport modes based on layouts and capacities. The sum of arithmetic sequence was used as the objective function of individual arrivals in each mode, it was minimised to obtain optimum safe capacity. Capacities of public transport modes were subdivided into; Normal, Above Normal and Below Normal (50% of Normal). Findings of the experiments indicated that optimum safe capacity of minibuses, taxies, tricycles and motorcycles used in Makurdi metropolis were at 8, 3, 2 and 1 person respectively. This occurred at 50% capacity which agreed with findings of previous studies. An efficient and sustainable public transport policy framework was designed for policy makers and transport experts to help achieve safe travel and healthier living in Makurdi metropolis during the COVID-19 era. Keywords— COVID-19 transmission, Makurdi Metropolis, Modal Split, Mode capacity, Passenger Safety, Public Transport.

Urban conditions affect soil characteristics and physiological performance of three evergreen woody species

Physiological studies conducted mainly in metropolitan areas demonstrated that urban environments generate stressful conditions for plants. However, less attention has been paid to plant response to urban conditions in small cities. Here, we evaluated to what extent the health and physiological functions of some Mediterranean urban species [Quercus ilex L., Nerium oleander L. and Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) W.T. Aiton] were impacted by urban and peri-urban conditions in Pisa (Italy), a small medieval city with narrow streets that impede efficient public transport causing oversized private transport. Experimental period spanned from late-summer to winter in concomitance with the sharp increase in air pollutants. Climate and air quality, soil physical and chemical properties, and plant physiological traits including leaf gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf pigments were assessed. In soil, the organic carbon affected aggregates and water stability and the concentrations of some micro-elements decreased in winter. Air pollutants impaired leaf gas exchanges and photochemical processes at photosystem II, depending on species, season, and urban conditions. Shrubs were more susceptible than the tree species, highlighting that the latter adapted better to pollutants along an urban-peri-urban transect in Mediterranean environments. This study gives information on the physiological adaptability of some of the most frequent Mediterranean urban species to stressful conditions and demonstrated that, even in a small city, urban conditions influence the physiology and development of vegetation, affecting the plant health status and its ability to provide key ecosystem services.

INFLUENCE OF PASSENGER CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOUR ON RAILWAY STATION DESIGN: REVIEW PAPER

This research paper summarizes published research work on how the passenger behaviour and characteristics influences the railway station design. Due to the growing population in cities and increased intercity trips, efficient public transportation is becoming an essential need. One of the best options for this problem is use of mass transit which accommodates transportation of people in high numbers per single trip. As a way of making Mass transit attractive to passengers, the utter most important objective of station design is to satisfy the various demands of passengers, translating to a people-oriented design. Public transportation systems such as rail transport pay dividends in key areas which include less traffic congestion, less pollution, safer travels, lower expenditures, less effort and better predictability. Passengers in railway transport exhibit different requirements during travel, which are reflected in terms of requirements regarding wished for offers and in specific behaviour patterns hence proper investigation on passenger characteristics and behavior mapping will aid station operators to offer services which are in sync with user requirements in a cost effective manner.

Design, Optimization, and Control of a Linear Tubular Machine Integrated with Levitation and Guidance for Maglev Applications

Nowadays, with the increase of population, demand for efficient public transportation systems has increased. Magnetic levitation (maglev) trains are one of the best choices for the future. There are three separated systems in a classical magnetic train to achieve desirable performance. Hence, several control systems and sensors are essential for train operation. Accordingly, the classical maglev trains include complex structures, and they are so expensive. This paper presents the design, optimization, and control of a combined magnetic train structure with the integrated performance of suspension and guidance and a complementary propulsion system. These combined topologies provide a simple design, more convenient movement, and reduce construction and operation costs.

Knowledge and practice of drivers on the provision of service to persons with visual disability: A survey of public transport drivers in a tertiary inclusion school in West Africa

Public transport plays an important role in improving mobility for persons with visual impairment. Commercial drivers are major stakeholders in ensuring that there are efficient and accessible public transport systems on university campuses that have a relatively high number of persons with visual impairment. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 90 taxi drivers who operate their services on the campus of a tertiary inclusion school. The drivers were surveyed on their knowledge and practices in providing services to persons with visual impairment. The findings show that 55 (61.1%) drivers knew how to identify a pedestrian with a visual disability by looking out for the white cane. A total of 77 (85.6%) drivers have also adopted the practice of stopping for pedestrians to cross the road. However, only 20 (22.5%) respondents agreed to reserve the front seat for the passenger with visual impairment. Participants were not knowledgeable on the sections of the disability act relating to the provision of transport services to persons with visual impairment nor the kind of punishment associated with breaching the rules. The study provides recommendations on how to bridge the gap between the demands of the disability act and the practices of commercial drivers.

Overweight/obesity relationship with travel patterns, socioeconomic characteristics, and built environment

IntroductionOverweight and obesity are significant health issues in the modern era and correlate with daily activities, including travelling. This study focuses on understanding the relationship between overweight/obesity and travel patterns and built environment for individuals belonging to different socioeconomic groups for developing countries, where limited research is witnessed from a transportation perspective on such health parameters. MethodThe data was collected using a face-to-face home interview survey in Navi Mumbai city in Maharashtra. The sample size used for the analysis is 4253 respondents. A logistic regression model is developed to assess the impact of travel patterns, socioeconomic factors, and built environment around an individual on the likelihood of getting overweight/obese. ResultsThe results indicate that commuting by private modes is associated with increased chances of getting overweight/obese. In contrast, a negative association is observed in the chances of getting overweight/obese if commuting by active mode. The study provides quantitative support on the relationship between commuting vehicle preferences and their chances of getting overweight/obese. The interaction of walk score and population density suggests that the probability of getting overweight/obese reduces at higher values of walk score as the population density increases. The odds ratio helps understand the impact of different travel modes and their risk on the likelihood of being overweight/obese within a specific age category. ConclusionThe highest risk is observed for car/cab users compared to other modes in all age categories. The study highlights the importance of sustainable transportation modes (walking and public transport) on overweight/obesity—a crucial physical wellbeing parameter. Improving walkability measures such as walk score coupled with appropriate population density and efficient public transport system can be effective public health intervention and overweight/obesity preventative strategies.

Train-mounted Broadband Monopole Antenna for 5G Communication

As a convenient and efficient public transport system, high speed railway (HSR) was rapidly deployed in China. Since the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system is commercially applied, it is necessary for mobile terminals antennas to cover multiple operating bands to be compatible with various communication systems. Here a HSR-mounted broadband and high-gain monopole antenna is proposed. By using the meander technology and introducing the tapered structure, the proposed antenna operates over a bandwidth of 694-960 MHz and 1350-5975 MHz (VSWR<1.8), which covers both 2G-5G mobile communication and WiFi frequency bands. The dimensions of the proposed antenna are 400 mm × 330 mm × 78 mm. The measured average gain is 6.11 dBi over the entire bandwidth.

Numerical Analysis of Tunnel Support System at Pune Metro

Pune has witnessed enormous industrial growth, rapid urbanization in the recent past and has put the city's travel infrastructure to stress. Being a densely populated area, Pune's traffic needs cannot be met by road-based transportation systems and additional flyovers. Considering this, the Pune Metro project a strong public transport system partly elevated, and partly underground Line 1 and the completely elevated Line 2 has been discussed and undertaken by Maha Metro Rail Corporation. With the rise in demand, the responsibility for a safe and efficient public transport system also increases hence proper planning, designing, and execution play a vital role. The underground tunnel stretch of the Pune Metro Line 1 project is carried out by TBM and by segmental lining as a support system. By geotechnical parameters and FEM, RS2 software author analyses the ground behaviour and support system and conveys a basic understanding of ground behaviour and results in guidelines for designing the underground tunnel.

Uber and employment in the Global South – not-so-decent work

ABSTRACT Due to its global standards and brand recognition, Uber has become an important form of transportation and is now found throughout the world. It has played a role in transforming local mobilities in many cities, particularly those lacking efficient public transportation options. Uber has played a particularly important role in increasing mobilities in places with security concerns, such as South Africa, due to their competitive rates, the accountability of drivers, and their innovative security features. Uber promotes itself as a peer-to-peer platform that connects drivers to riders, calling drivers ‘partners’, and vehemently dismissing any claims that it is an employer. The company advocates the ability of Uber to increase economic upliftment, particularly in the Global South. South Africa has staggering urban un-and-underemployment rates and, therefore, Uber can be seen as a potential tool for job creation or a means of supplementing low and inconsistent wages. A critical analysis of these claims demonstrates the manner in which Uber has emerged as an employment mechanism in South Africa within a ‘decent work’ framework. The findings are based on an analysis of detailed questionnaires distributed to Uber drivers based in South Africa as well as ethnographic research. It also draws on secondary sources, such as driver forums, newspaper articles and the Uber South Africa website. The findings demonstrate the many challenges faced by Uber drivers such as long working hours, low fares, subcontracting of drivers and concerns over driver safety. The paper introduces primary research in the form of driver surveys and questions the discourse propagated by the company as a mechanism for economic upliftment. In particular, the results show that working for Uber, according to these results, should not be considered decent work.

Exploring Equity in Healthcare Services: Spatial Accessibility Changes during Subway Expansion

The unequal allocation of healthcare resources raises many fundamental problems, one of which is how to address inequity in population health. This paper focuses on disparities in public transport healthcare accessibility, with a special focus on an expanding subway system. Based on a vulnerability index, including factors that are likely to limit healthcare opportunities, a two-step floating catchment area method was used to assess the distribution of supply and demand for healthcare. Quantity, quality, and walking distance accessibility were aggregated into hexagonal grids. The Theil index was used to measure inequity and understand the influence of subways on spatial disparities in healthcare accessibility. The ongoing construction of the subway has heterogeneous impacts on healthcare accessibility for different parts of the city and exacerbates spatial inequity in many areas. In an environment where people in peri-urban areas are excluded from healthcare access because of low subway coverage, the results suggest that the potential for subways to address inaccessibility is limited. The findings highlight the requirement of efficient public transport services and are relevant to researchers, planners, and policymakers aiming to improve accessibility to healthcare, especially for populations who dwell in winter cities.

Personalized Multimodal Travel Service Design for sustainable intercity transport

Efficient multimodal public transport has been recognized as an effective solution for realizing sustainable intercity transport. However, it has not been well accepted by the general public due to the poor coordination among transport modes, inconvenience caused by transfers, difficulties on route plannings, etc. To address the problem and facilitate the popularity of multimodal intercity travel, this research proposed the design of personalized multimodal travel service based on SPSS (Smart Product Service System). It not only could provide multimodal route recommendations based on individual preferences, but also could improve its performance along usage. Meanwhile, the influencing factors of multimodal intercity travel is investigated, based on which the travel choice model is developed. Besides, a few-short learning method was proposed, which could mine the individual preference even from limited historical travel data. Finally, an experimental case study was conducted that demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Group Spatial Preferences of Residential Locations—Simplified Method Based on Crowdsourced Spatial Data and MCDA

Residential location preferences illustrate how the attractiveness of particular neighbourhoods is perceived and indicate what improves or lowers the comfort of life in a city according to its residents. This research analyses the residential preferences of students who were asked to indicate their most preferred residential locations and to define their selection criteria. The study was conducted in two phases: in 2019, before the outbreak of the pandemic, and in 2020 during the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. The methodology of spatial multi-criteria analyses and the developed simplified approach to determining collective preferences from crowdsourced data FCPR (first criteria partial ranking) were used to analyse the preferences. The following research questions were asked: (1) whether the developed simplified FCPR methodology would provide results similar to the methods currently used to determine group weightings of criteria; (2) what spatial aspects were important for the students when choosing where to live, and (3) whether these aspects change in the face of the pandemic. The results obtained confirmed the effectiveness of the simplified approach. They indicated a significant relationship between an efficient public transport system and residence preferences, even with prolonged distance learning. They also showed the increased importance of location close to family or friends in the face of the pandemic. Only a combined analysis of the preferences expressed both in the form of a ranking of criteria and directly indicated locations provides complete information.

Energy-efficient train trajectory optimization based on improved differential evolution algorithm and multi-particle model

Urban rail transit is an efficient public transport, and reducing their energy consumption is beneficial to climate change and sustainable development. Current researches in metro train trajectory optimization are mainly based on the single-particle train operation model, and the selection of energy-saving operation strategy under time-varying passenger flow is not taken into consideration. Therefore, considering the practical line environment and uncertain trainload simultaneously, this paper establishes a multi-particle operation model and develops a new optimization method based on mutated dichotomy and differential evolutionary algorithm to solve the model. Then, the influence of various passenger flow and line information on the train trajectory optimization is analyzed from the perspective of trainload capacity based on the proposed method, and the selection basis of the optimal energy-saving train operation strategy was determined. Finally, a case study was conducted in the Nanning Rail Transit Line 1 and Line 5, respectively. The results show that the proposed method has strong efficiency for energy conservation and better optimization performance than the conventional differential evolution algorithm in solving train trajectory optimization problem. And the simulation results of the Line 5, which is a fully automatic operation line, also verified the reliability of the selection basis.

Estimation of transportation service quality for selected groups of users using customer satisfaction index

The supply of effective and efficient public transportation services is important and essential for society and environment. This can encourage people to use public transit and reduce the usage of private cars which have roles in achieving sustainable goals that related to providing sustained modes of transportation. This, in turn, leads to avoid or reduce the effect of the most important global issues such as, traffic congestion, air pollution, fuel consumption, and other environmental consequences. Therefore, there is a need to identify the attributes that enhance the satisfaction and increase the usage of public transportation which are various across the different cultures, demographics, and purposes. In Iraq, there are a few studies that considered the demand for public buses as it is the main mode of public transportation. The aim of this paper is to measure to what extent the supplied public transportation service is satisfied through identifying the factors that enhance the choice of public transportation by road users and measure the quality service of public transportation. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire method was used to collect the needed data for a specific group of people which are students and academic staff. The study areas, which were selected according to the purposes of trips which are education and work trips, are the area around Al-Essra University and Al-Mansour University in Al-Karadah sector in Baghdad City. The collected data was analyzed to describe the attributes that passengers based on in selecting the mode of transportation and to determine an aggregated index which can be used to quantify the quality of the public transportation service in the selected area. The results show that about 44% of people who prefer to use their private cars have decided this because of the long waiting time at bus stops and inside the buses. While about 42% of passengers who prefer to use public buses have decided their mode of transport based on the cost criteria. Regarding the transit service quality, it has been found that the safety indicator is the most important criterion that passengers based on in assessing the quality of service. This can be considered in further studies or transportation projects.

Dynamics of Transit Oriented Development, Role of Greenhouse Gases and Urban Environment: A Study for Management and Policy

The emission and mitigation of greenhouse gases transforms the status of urban environments. However, a policy accounting for all the aspects associated with transport is lacking. Problems related to transport include a greater reliance on cars, increased congestion, and environmental impacts. The absence of an efficient public transport system is a notable cause of the prompt escalation of diverse problems, for example, increases in the number of personal automobiles causes congestion on the road, resulting in air pollution, ubiquitous greenhouse effects and noise pollution, which ultimately affect human health. Transit oriented development (TOD) has been suggested as a solution to these problems. This paper reviews the impacts of transit development on urban development, greenhouse impact, the environment, economy, property value, travel behavior, and health etc., highlighting the policy issues which hinder TOD. Implementation of TOD has a strong impact on shaping the urban form, redevelopment, and the upgradation of old areas. Controlling transit phenomena will also help to control the emission and mitigation of greenhouse gases. This study will help in improving the urban environment and climatic condition of regions.

Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure for Cities

Sustainable transportation infrastructure is of paramount importance in addressing the environmental and societal challenges associated with urbanization. This abstract explores the key elements and strategies for developing sustainable transportation infrastructure in cities. It focuses on promoting modes of transportation that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and socially equitable. The transition to sustainable transportation infrastructure requires a holistic approach that integrates various components. Firstly, it emphasizes the development of efficient public transportation systems. By investing in reliable and affordable mass transit systems, cities can reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby decreasing traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. Moreover, the integration of smart technologies, such as real-time information systems and digital payment solutions, enhances the accessibility and usability of public transportation, encouraging more people to choose it as their preferred mode of travel.

Individual property tax to fund public transport

Efficient and reliable public transport is of prime concern to city dwellers. To function efficiently, public transport generally needs subsidies from the state or local government. Our goal was to design and develop an alternative model of property tax that would provide financing for public transport. It was hypothesised that if the market value of real estate depends on the proximity of public transport, property tax can be a reliable source of financing for public transport. Based on the hedonic pricing theory, we used multiple regression to measure the impact of public transport proximity on the value of residential property. The data on the market value of property and property tax was taken from statistical tax reporting forms of the Federal Tax Service. The data on various public transport infrastructure facilities was used from the specialized open registers. We tested our alternative model of property tax, using the case of the Ekaterinburg Metro and the Tram and Trolleybus Company, through regression analysis of 7,685 objects of residential property in the City of Ekaterinburg. It was found that the efficiency of the underground service is higher than that of the city’s tram network. On the average, the proximity of underground stations increases the value of housing by over 6%. As predictive estimation of the amount of tax determined by the proximity of public transport showed, the alternative model of property tax is sufficient to cover capital expenditures of the city’s public transport operators and could, therefore, contribute to further expansion and modernization of the transport network.

Toward an effective analysis of public transportation demand factors in car-dependent cities: case of Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT A fundamental requirement for successful and effective public transportation planning is analyzing and understanding the factors that affect demand. This is particularly important for fast-growing and car-dependent cities with a high influx of visitors, such as Makkah City in Saudi Arabia. In this study, some factors that affect public transportation demand in Makkah were analyzed, and a geographic information system–based composite public transportation demand index (CPTDI) was established. Indicators of public transportation demand were placed in three groups defining social need, network need, and land use. These indicators were combined into the CPTDI to define the overall public transportation demand at the district level. When applied to actual data, the indicators demonstrated that high public transportation demand was concentrated in the inner districts surrounding the Holy Mosque within the first ring road and the main arterials leading toward it. The CPTDI was found to depict the public transportation demand distribution in a realistic manner when compared with the separate indicators. The CPTDI would facilitate faster and more efficient public transportation planning based on demand and improve understanding of the consequences of system planning and implementation.

Impact of stops for bus delays on routes

In this paper bus travel time and delay is significant measures in public transportation. This research aims to explore impact of stops for the selected bus route and to find some simple suitable solutions to reduce the travel time and minimize delays for scheduling preferences of travellers. Delays data were collected using automatic vehicle location system (GPS technology) for the bus route #51 in Tashkent. Based on the collected GPS data were proposed the developed a linear and a logistic multivariate regression model. Travel time reliability were estimated regarding to a multivariate regression models and performed. The result shows that very good statistical suitable as expected and thus can be used in the public transportation to determine any travel time using real-time and available offline data. These outcomes, in the future it is expected that will be applicable and more efficient bus public transportation system in Tashkent.

Building a smart city with dimensions of technology, people and institutions. By using WASPAS

The core infrastructure of a smart city Components means - Ensuring adequate water supply Including generated electricity, Solid waste management is sanitary, efficient urban Mobility and public transport, and affordable housing, especially for the poor, is a strong source of information Technological connectivity, digitalization, good management, Smart Cities Mission is an Indian Urban development of Govt Ministry-led rehabilitation and An urban renewal project. Smart cities are information for city management and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Incorporating metros, them from traditional to digital, improving the efficiency of operations and with the aim of providing services. A smart city is an information and information Communication Ability to operate using technologies (ICT). Increase and share information with the public, Quality of government services, and welfare of citizens it is the municipality that promotes both. Smart Town Bhopal has been ranked first in the latest assessment Central housing by 2022 and by the Ministry of Concrete Affairs. It is the central Capital of the territory and population of 2.5 million contains the amount Key to Smart City The objective is to improve city functions, Improve economic growth, and smart Citizens through technologies and data improving the quality of life. Analytics. Alternative: Treatment, controls, differentiation and T-State. Evaluation Option: Total patent applications to the EPO, to the EPO High technology patent applications, to the EPO Smart for ICT patent applications, and City Patent Applications. EPO City Patent Applications. from the result it is seen that Total patent to EPO Applications and received first rank whereas is the Total patent to EPO Applications and received got is having the lowest rank. The value of the dataset for Range of smart city in WASPAS Method shows that it results in Total Patent applications EPO and top ranking.